According to MLB.com’s Kelly Thesier (via Twitter), the Twins have signed right-hander Nick Blackburn to a four-year, $14 million contract extension with an $8 million club option for 2014.

Blackburn, 28, compiled an 11-11 record, 99 strikeouts, 4.03 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 33 starts last season. He has a 4.14 career ERA over 410 1/3 career innings. The extension essentially buys out the righty’s remaining arbitration years at a bargain rate while also providing the Twins an attractive option for his first year of free agency. It seems like a quality deal for both sides.